COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Effective technology and communications are hallmarks of healthy congregations. Here parish leaders can find information that will help them with the fundamentals of communications and technology and to grow in vitality.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology systems help keep your church running and the church leadership, staff, and congregation connected. For a congregation, these systems may include but not be limited to computer and network hardware, software to create reports and publications, liturgy planning software, church membership systems to manage parishioners’ information and pledge and contribution records, accounting software, online giving systems, and tools to automate event registrations.
Consulting
The diocesan staff advises congregations and affiliated organizations on technology projects, upgrades, computer and network support options, and how best to support special projects and initiatives. Contact John White with questions.
Training
The School for Christian Faith and Leadership offers classroom and online training sessions throughout the year to equip parish leaders in matters of technology.
Email and Office Productivity Tools
Google Workspace
Churches are able to take advantage of the power of the Google platform using the Google Workspace for Non-Profits system. An information video on this system is available here.
- Playlist for Google Workspace webinars
- Learn more about Google Workspace adoption, support, and training.
Office Productivity Software for Churches
Contact John White to receive access to discounted office productivity software for churches including Microsoft Office Suite, accounting software, and more.
Domain Registration, Renewal, and Management
A domain name is a key component of a congregation’s online identity. Diocesan staff are available to assist your parish with registration, renewal, and management of your domain name. This service includes assuming responsibility for paying for domain registration and renewal, website transfers, and ensuring that domain records are secure and updated correctly.
Realm Church Membership & Engagement System
The Diocese of Washington is leading the way in helping parishes respond with new technology to manage parish information and engage with parishioners and visitors more responsively and effectively. In collaboration with ACS Technologies, the Diocese has negotiated to bring the online Realm system to all parishes in the Diocese of Washington at a discounted rate. Click here to learn more.
Online Giving
The Diocese of Washington has an agreement with Vanco Payment Solutions to offer preferred transaction rates for congregations including $0 monthly fees and reduced transaction rates. The pricing plans from Vanco are included below:
Below are links for EDOW parishes to sign-up who are new to Vanco eGiving:
For EDOW parishes who are existing Vanco clients looking to take advantage of the pricing, please fill out the e-forms. Please refer to the pricing plan for details of the two available plans:
If you would like to enroll with Vanco but have questions on the price plans, please contact Chelsea Funfar at Vanco Payment Solutions.
Contact
Contact John White with questions relating to technology.
COMMUNICATIONS
Effective communications is an essential ingredient to building and maintaining healthy faith communities. Often we are so focused on getting a message *to* our audience(s) that we forget about getting *through* to them.
Diocesan staff is able to consult on communications projects, website design and development, options for managing content, getting engaged with social media, and developing your brand online.
Websites
When it’s time to overhaul your existing parish website, diocesan staff are available to consult on how to navigate the process of getting a new site with a fresh design, and how to leverage your website presence and extend your church community. Contact Keely Thrall
Website resources
Social Media
Using social media effectively is a critical component to your parish’s overall communication strategy. Diocesan staff is available to consult on your current social media presence and provide guidance on next steps for your online ministry.
Social media resources
- What Would Jesus Tweet – The Rev. Emily Snowden
- Sample Media Release Form
Training
The School for Christian Faith and Leadership offers classroom and online training sessions throughout the year to equip parish leaders in effective communications.
Training Resources
- Worship Times blog
- Communications Playlist (Videos on social media, website assessments, and media relations)
- Geeks for God: Evangelism in the electronic era (Articles on technology best practices)
Contact
Contact Keely Thrall with questions relating to communications.